5 September 1966
In more recent times Joe Dolan was synonymous with much-loved hip-swinging cabaret oldies like ‘You’re Such A Good-Looking Woman’ and ‘Make Me An Island’ – neither of which got to number one in Ireland. What actually topped the ’60s Irish charts for Joe were, and you’ll be unastonished to hear this, showband numbers. (I should clarify that The Drifters here are not the actual US R&B-soul vocal group. Evidently a sternly-worded letter from America was eventually received in Mullingar, because the Irish outfit would soon change their billing to Joe Dolan and His Drifters.)
‘Pretty Brown Eyes’ is a dreary, teary country ballad i.e. typical ’60s Irish showband fodder. The plinking electric piano and plucking electric guitar together sound like loose change of different currencies being jangled in the same pocket. His Drifters ooh and aah like holiday-ranch cowpokes round the campfire. As for Joe, his trademark straining histrionica is an ill fit for this lumbering, shuffling ballroom shift-fest. Get him to the cabaret! Let those hips swing!
